Driver killed as police rescues 23 kidnap victims in Niger

A driver named Emeka was killed by suspected kidnappers on Sunday in Niger State during an attack on a vehicle carrying passengers from Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

In a separate operation, the Niger State Police Command rescued 19 passengers who were also victims of a kidnapping incident along the Tegina-Zungeru road.

These passengers, traveling from Sokoto to Bayelsa in a Toyota bus, were intercepted on November 1 and taken into a nearby forest by the kidnappers.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed both incidents in a statement, reporting that the rescued victims were unharmed.

Efforts are ongoing to locate the abducted passengers and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“On November 3, 2024, at about 6 a.m., it was reported that suspected kidnappers attacked a vehicle with registration number LND 863 YF travelling from Yawuri in Kebbi State to Asaba, Delta State.

“The incident took place between Kwana-Barau and Kundu village, leading to the abduction of five persons and the unfortunate death of the driver, Emeka,” Abiodun stated.

He explained that a joint security tactical team responded swiftly, combing the Kattako forest in Rafi Local Government Area.

“Four of the abducted passengers were rescued unhurt, and efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victim still in captivity,” he added.

In the case of the 19 passengers abducted from the Sokoto-Bayelsa journey, Abiodun said that intense pressure by the joint security forces led to the safe rescue of all passengers.

“Immediately after the November 1 attack, security operatives pursued the kidnappers, leading to the recovery of twelve victims on November 2 in the Pangugari forest, Rafi LGA,” he added.

Further operations saw the rescue of the remaining seven victims later that evening, bringing the total number rescued to 19.

“The victims received medical care at a nearby clinic and were safely returned to Sokoto on November 3,” Abiodun disclosed.